US Tries to Persuade Shippers to Sail Red Sea Despite Houthi Attacks
NDTV
The Houthis, who are backed by Iran, have said they're targeting ships linked to Israel to show support for Palestinians, though ships without direct links to Israel also have been singled out.
The US military is trying to reassure shipping companies that a multinational force is making it safe to sail through the Red Sea and Suez Canal even though attacks from Yemen-based Houthi rebels show no sign of stopping.
The Pentagon is "engaged with industry on a near-daily basis to gauge needs and provide reassurance that the international community is there to help with safe passage," Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Bryon McGarry, a Defense Department spokesperson for the Middle East and Africa, said Thursday in an emailed response to questions.
So far, that's not proving enough for most shipping lines to gamble that a drone or missile aimed at their vessels won't be one that gets past the defenses.
